Ponderosa or western yellow pine (also known by 22 other common names)
(_Pinus ponderosa_). The leaves or needles occur in groups of three and
are 5 to 11 inches in length. These trees reach an age of from 350 to
500 years and are considered the most important lumber tree in the Rocky
Mountain region. Pueblo Indians of today invariably use Ponderosa for
their kiva ladders. Hopi Indians attach the needles to prayer plumes to
bring cold. The needles are also smoked ceremonially.
[Illustration: _How the Canyon Was Formed_]
[Illustration: _Kiva Ladder_]